ABOUT US
A world where physical, mental and emotional
well-being are met.
VISION
Empowering complete well-being for individuals and families.
MISSION
Faith in Children is a New York-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need. Since 2010, we’ve impacted communities in the U.S., Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, Malawi, and beyond, serving all regardless of religion, race, gender, or background. Our mission is to provide essential resources and promote well-being.
We reach over 6,000 individuals monthly through our programs, striving for lasting positive change. Key initiatives include:
1. Mindfulness Education Program – Promotes emotional and mental well-being through mindfulness, yoga, and emotional intelligence training. Active in the U.S. and Malawi, it impacts students from Kindergarten to 5th grade, fostering resilience and self-awareness in schools across Malawi, where we serve 20 schools.
2. Nourished Bellies – Focuses on combating food insecurity, providing nutritious meals to vulnerable populations in the U.S., Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, and Malawi. In Madagascar, we also deliver fresh water to four communities facing water scarcity.
3. Community Outreach – Addresses essential needs like hygiene products, toys, and clothing in the same regions. This program adapts to the unique needs of each community.
We’re proud to provide scholarships for refugees at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, enabling them to gain certification in yoga and mindfulness through Yoga Renew Teacher Training. This not only educates but provides employment opportunities within our Mindfulness Education Program.
We have also undertaken various infrastructure projects, including building artesian wells for clean water and constructing homes for the elderly in Mozambique. Additionally, we’ve provided emergency aid in Haiti during the 2010 and 2016 disasters.
At Faith in Children, we believe in holistic well-being and equality. Through our programs and partnerships, we aim to empower communities, fostering resilience and growth for a better future.
WHO ARE WE?
Raquel D. Murray
Founder and President
Raquel Murray is an inspiring leader, founder, and president of Faith in Children, a nonprofit organization that has been positively impacting communities since its establishment in 2010. Balancing her roles as a mother of five, wife, and advocate, Raquel has dedicated her life to addressing the core needs of families and children, both nationally and internationally.
Born and raised in Recife, Brazil, Raquel’s journey was shaped by the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household. Despite these hardships, she was deeply nurtured by the unwavering love and support of her family. “I received so much love and support, which helped me flourish as an individual,” she shares. "My dream has always been to pass it forward, helping others to live and feel better."
Her passion for helping others led her to honor her family’s faith in her by naming her nonprofit Faith in Children. "So many people, especially my mom, have faith in me. If they have faith in me, I will always have faith in children," she says, underscoring the profound motivation behind her work.
Raquel’s educational path has been shaped by a dedication to understanding and improving societal dynamics. She holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs with a focus on development from New School University (2013) and a Bachelor of Arts with double majors in Political Science and Sociology from Hunter College (2009). These academic achievements provided her with the foundation to better address complex social issues and guide the work of Faith in Children.
Additionally, her expertise in mindfulness, healing, and personal growth has grown through several certifications. As a certified mindfulness facilitator with Mindful Schools, she brings valuable tools to foster emotional well-being and resilience in the programs she designs for families and children. In 2020, she expanded her understanding of trauma and family dynamics by completing training in Family Constellation and Inherited Family Trauma under the esteemed Mark Wolynn.
Currently, Raquel is diving deeper into holistic health through her ongoing studies. She is working toward an RYT 500hr Yoga Teacher Training and Yin Yoga certification with Yoga Renew. These tools will further enhance the comprehensive services offered by her nonprofit. As a Homeopathy student at the Academy of Homeopathy Education, Raquel is eager to integrate natural healing modalities into her work, empowering individuals and families toward more vibrant health and balanced lives.
Raquel’s ongoing commitment to service, personal growth, and leadership ensures that Faith in Children remains a beacon of hope, love, and transformative support. Through her efforts, she continues to foster healing and positive change for families across the globe.
Vanessa Godoy
Board Secretary
Vanessa Godoy is an artist, educator and therapist. She has a BA in Theatre at CAL-Conservator of Arts - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her studies include literature, children development education and ThetaHealing®️Technique.
“I had volunteered for Faith In Children years before I was invited to be part of the Board of Directors and fell in love with the work that Faith In Children does, embracing the needs of families in many communities in the world.”
Michelle Silva
Treasurer
Michelle Silva joined Faith In Children’s board of directors in 2017 as the treasurer. She comes to the position with over 18 years of accounting experience. Not only is Michelle a board member but also volunteers in the Mindfulness Education Facilitation Program (MEFSP).
“One day I was invited by Raquel Murray to see the program up close. I immediately felt a strong connection with the program and learned how powerful mindfulness education could be in teaching children yoga, games and meditation in dealing with their feelings and emotion…That moment was a call for me to be part of Faith in Children. Helping children one program at a time.”